Abstract

In the Northern part of Italy, some Regions are asking for greater autonomy, as a consequence of a gradual cultural change that weakened the sense of solidarity, thereby leading to increasing individualism and selfishness. Against this backdrop, financial insurance brokers and private health care providers can take advantage of the situation to promote their own economic interests, and experiment alternative forms of financing and delivering healthcare services. As a result, universalism is at risk and interregional inequalities are bound to increase. Public policies, at all levels, need to perform better.